Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that the Minister of State is in a difficult position. If he does not have the answers today, perhaps he can get back to me in writing. Am I correct in thinking that the Department is aware that C&C is relocating jobs to the North of Ireland? It does not make sense given that it says the reason it is downsizing is the loss of a retailer by a private label product. I agree that I am here specifically on behalf of one gentleman who is representing the views of his colleagues who are losing their jobs. Their positions are being made redundant notwithstanding that the work is still there but being moved to the North of Ireland. That may be fine in a different context, but my real issue is that this gentleman is in his early 60s. He has worked probably all of his life for this company. He has worked for it for 34 years. In relocating his job to the North of Ireland for whatever reason, they are offering him two weeks statutory notice. It is disgraceful that he is being treated in this manner. Some of his colleagues are receiving three and a half and four weeks, which is more acceptable and palatable for those people who are unfortunate enough to be losing their jobs.

Can the Minister of State address the Workplace Relations Commission personnel he spoke to and put them in contact with me so that I can get them involved to represent this gentleman better than I can at the moment? The days of his redundancy notice period are running out. He is within seven days of being walked off the premises and having his car and phone taken off him. He will have no recourse at that stage. Can the Minister of State come back either today or tomorrow on the relevant personnel to engage with so that I can at least assist him in the final days of working for this company after 34 years?

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